The New Gate (LN)

It was the first reunion in 500 years with Shin’s comrade in arms from the game era, Girard; his support character No. 3, a High Beast. In addition to the duel and the bereavement following it; a figure that was seen at Girard’s funeral was Shin’s support character No. 4, High Dragnil Shibaid.

Shin, who visited Falnido Beast Alliance, faced the reality of parting with his former companion.

At dawn, following the funeral held in Elden, the capital of Falnido. Shin, guided by his support character No. 1, Schnee, headed towards a certain place. On his head was his monster partner, the Element Tail, Yuzuha. In front of him was the current Beast King, Wolgang, and his daughter, Cuore.

The elf, Tiera was next to Schnee. The monster that became Tiera’s partner, Kagerou, had dived into Tiera’s shadow using a monster skill called 【Shadow Dive】.

After about 15 minutes of walking from their residence, a 2-story building came into view. It was the place where the envoys and representatives from the other countries stayed in to witness the funeral. The reason Shin was visiting there, needless to say, was to meet Shibaid. Shin and the others went there, because they couldn’t invite Shibaid to the residence.

“Come to think of it, it is Shibaid after all. Isn’t his rank the same as Girard’s, king?”

“No, currently he has severed connection with the royal family. However, he is famous as an adventurer with the highest rank.”

According to Schnee, similar to Girard, Shibaid became the first Dragon King of the dragon imperial empire, Kilmont, but it seemed that he roamed free after the country stabilized. As a member of Kilmont’s adventurer guild, and at the time when monsters overflowed from the Sacred Place, he fought together with other ordinary adventurers.

“…Is that fine? To be like that.”

“It’s probably fine, since the royal family also seems to agree. For Shibaid, rather than the country, he became a figure that participates as a mercenary in a guild led by Dragnil.”

Apparently his banner-like implication, for having become the first king from the start until the people gained stability, was strong.

Since he didn’t gather the scattered tribes like Girard did, the succession seemed to be carried out unexpectedly smoothly. As for severing the connection with the royal family, there might be an external implication.

“From the start, it seems that he declared to be king for temporary.”

“The people must have understood it well.”

“Because the second generation king, also in the vanguard together with Shibaid, was the one he severed ties with. Originally, that second king was supposed to have become the first king. But I heard that he was wounded in the final battle just before founding the country”

“So he was something like a substitute, huh?”

Shin wondered what kind of king they were to be replaced so easily, but there appeared to be some circumstances. Since Schnee didn’t know all of the intricate details that well either, he would have to hear from the person in question when they met afterward.

By the way, this time, because Shibaid was a friend of Girard, he was picked as the representative.

“Anyways, this is packed.”

Before long, the group arrived at their destination. Shin, who saw the building, was the first to speak, it was that crowded.

The people who had heard the news about Girard’s death were many, and that the amount was about to exceed the capacity of the mansion was clear to Shin. Seeing from Falnido’s side, this might have been unexpected. Incidentally, Shin recalled the state of the funeral, and it looked like the people who had been guiding the attendees appeared quite exhausted.

There might be no more vacancies any longer to stay at the other inns. But the thought hadn’t hit Shin’s mind yet.

“The number of people far exceeded the numbers we had expected. The founder shared the battlefield with a lot of people, and many of them are leaders or general ranks of each country now. Though I already reduced the numbers, everyone has acting power.”

The tired-looking Wolfgang spoke.

It seemed to be impossible to invite all of Girard’s acquaintances. Although there seemed to be no end to people who slipped through the loophole and came over. These acting powers were certainly due to the influence from Girard, and the top management was at their wits’ end.

“Nonetheless, Shibaid-dono is an exception. I had him stay at the further inner side of the second residence, since he is the representative of a long time ally, together with the envoy of Kilmont.”

Apparently Shibaid received special treatment. As they advanced to the depth of the site while following Wolfgang, a building on a different level was seen. The feeling of luxury was grasped by Shin, as if to tell it was only for VIP.

When the doorbell was rung, a man past middle age, thought to be the butler, showed up. When Wolfgang stated his business, a deep sound was made as the door opened. Was it to barricade themselves in an emergency? The door was coated with Adamantine when one looked closely.

“Then, I will call out to Shibaid-sama, everyone please wait here.”

The butler went to call Shibaid, after he guided them to reception room.

Though Shin had already perceived the presence of Shibaid, because of the call out, he decided to wait patiently.

“Please excuse me as I have a discussion with the envoys of Kilmont after this. In the future, if there is anything, please ask Cuore.”

When the butler left, Wolfgang also left, leaving Cuore behind. Now that Girard was gone, Wolfgang was the Beast King in both name and reality. He might also accompany Shin and the others depending on the occasion of the business.

“Though it’s kind of late, it’s unwise to speak to a King without the honorifics language, right?”

“At present, it won’t pose any problems when meeting Ulu, except in public. I too, speak in formal language outside the royal family.”

Schnee spoke about her manners when meeting the king on formal occasions. She seemed to understand the area well.

“…Well, it’s because before power, he looked for abilities that were superior than him.”

It didn’t seem that Wolfgang had the intention to let Shin and his group use polite language in his own country, it was probably because Wolfgang was a warrior type, not a staff officer. It’s also possible that one of the reasons was that he didn’t interpret it as being impolite manners from Girard’s master.

After a while, Shibaid showed up together with the butler.

He was a big man with a height surpassing more than 2 and a half mels, had scales like obsidian, and deep crimson eyes. Because the default appearance was a dragon in human form, a person might feel a little fear during the first meeting, Shin thought.

“Um, it’s been a long time?”

“Yes, I am sincerely pleased with Master’s return now. From here on, I will return under the command of Master, and become the spear who pierces through the enemies.”

“…Right, come to think of it, this guy was like this…”

As soon as they met, Shin was perplexed at Shibaid who started speaking and was for some reason kneeling. In their settings, Shibaid was a very earnest person, in a different meaning from Schnee. Was it because Shibaid’s main job was Holy Knight? Somehow he appeared to be pompous.

The butler, after guiding Shibaid, left immediately. Fortunately or not, such a thing was not seen.

“Well, um. As I have told this to Schnee. It’s a long-awaited reunion so there’s no need to be so formal.”

“Yes, but…”

“Shibaid, because Shin said so, it will be fine. It’s different from before.”

Schnee called out to Shibaid who hesitated to talk. Hearing Schnee, who was calling their master Shin, without any honorifics, Shibaid understood the meaning of her words: “It’s different from before.”.

However, he was not able to understand the dog ears and tail that was seen on Schnee’s head and rear.

By the way, at present, Schnee and Tiera had the appearance of beasts through the cosplay item set. Cuore, who was well-known by the people, was in disguise with Schnee’s illusion skill.

“…Hmm, I agree indeed. Then I will try to be easygoing as well. Is this okay?

“Yes, please do so.”

Shibaid stood up from his kneeling posture, looked at Shin’s face and agreed. Though Shin, as the master, didn’t change, Shibaid presented his right hand when he answered happily.

“Once again, please take care of me.”

“Yeah.”

Shin also grasped that hand. The sizes of their hands were too different, it was like an adult’s and a child’s.

“Well then, we can’t talk while standing forever. Let’s continue while drinking tea.”

Shibaid prompted Shin with a terrific speed of change.

“That right…Hey, those two people there. Come over here.”

“Eh!? Ah yes…”

“Yes, sir…”

Shin also called out to Tiera and Cuore who stiffened up when Shibaid knelt, and sat on a sofa.

It was a situation that seemed impossible with this world’s common sense for the two people, as their thoughts were frozen. Though they got used seeing Schnee and Girard acted like that, they might be shocked because it was the first time for them to see Shibaid thoroughly showing his allegiance. From an ordinary view, Girard and Shibaid, were without a doubt, said to be heroes.

Everyone took a breather as Schnee poured tea in a prepared teapot.

“Still, it’s been a long time. Though I heard the news from Schnee, you really have returned. I too, wanted to visit as soon as possible, but…”

“Many things have happened, right? As a person like Schnee and Girard, you have a considerable role corresponding to the current situation. It couldn’t be helped.”

Shin talked with Shibaid for the first time in this world. Was it due to the parting during the time in the game, as they talked like friends who met again after being unconscious for a long time. Though it was also like when he was with Girard, it was the first time and yet not the first time; It was a mysterious feeling.

“When I saw Girard’s face earlier, I guess he was quite satisfied with moving on. It’s that guy after all.”

“That guy was a warrior till the last moment. Nevertheless, I never thought that the fighting in this world was different than in the game. He invoked Shiden twice at the last moment, you know?”

“Kukaka! He did something like that, huh!? Even I would lose after that.”

The mood was about to become a little solemn, but it was not the first time for Shin when talk deviated this way. Just before the mood became strange, the topic was deliberately switched.

Shibaid also naturally participated in the talk, and the atmosphere of the place lightened. To give praise for that splendid last moment was a natural thing to do as a companion. From there, Girard’s heroic tale that even Schnee didn’t know about would be heard.

“By the way, Shin. What will you do after this?”

“Hmm? Right, for the time being, I have examined most of the materials in Falnido’s library. After doing a little bit more, I’m going to go to Kilmont and investigate the Sacred Place next. Shibaid has investigated it a little too, right?”

“Yeah, you might have heard it from Schnee, but what’s in the Sacred Place’s heart is unknown. There are numerous roaming monsters that can’t be underestimated so easily, even for skilled adventurers and advanced level knights. Besides, almost none ever come out alive. Since Kilmont must prevent large-scale invasions from the monster spawns around the Sacred Place, the help is never enough.”

“Looks like I need to directly ascertain it as soon as possible, huh? What will Shibaid do hereafter? I heard you are active around Kilmont though?”

“The Adventurers’ guild has no border. Adventurers are free to go anywhere with anyone. Of course, there are restrictions depending on the rank. I also will return to Kilmont for a moment, then I will join Shin after that. Master has returned after a long wait. I can’t sit and wait.”

Shin thought about whether it would be alright with the monsters invasion, but it seemed the preparations were done, so it wouldn’t be a problem when Shibaid left. From the start, if the frontline couldn’t be maintained without Shibaid, he wouldn’t be the carefree adventurer he is.

“It’s been a long time since we were together in a party.”

“I never thought, the day we stand shoulder to shoulder would come once again.”

“Me too. By the way, when are you going to depart? It will not take long to examine the rest of the materials, incidentally, I intend to receive requests from the guild, but…”

On this occasion, Shin confirmed the matter for the future.

“I am sorry, but we have to travel separately. Though I attended the funeral as the representative of Kilmont, in name, I am a guard for the king that acted as an envoy. I have to give them priority until they return to the country.”

“I see. Were you not able to come privately?”

“It was the travel problems. I received the report 3 days before the funeral. It was not possible to move from the capital of Kilmont to Falnido in such a short time. That’s why I became an escort with the condition that I can borrow a flying dragon, which is the country’s possession.”

Even though Shibaid was not a speed type, his AGI value exceeded 700. If he moved at full speed, even a horse would be left behind. However, it was truly because of a lack of time, that he used a little trick.

There were various problems for a country to help an individual, but Shibaid was in their favor for founding the country. Therefore, the role of guard for the envoy of the country was given to him, and he was able to use the flying dragon under the pretext. Shibaid was also accomplished as an adventurer at SS rank, so he was the best choice for an individual as an escort.

The king in question, which was the second generation and the current Dragon King, appeared to be still active in duty. And it was arranged because the relationship between Shibaid and Girard was known. Shin thought it was a very smart thing to do.

“Indeed. Then I will join you when I arrive over there. We can communicate via Mind Chat too.”

“I will wait for you.”

“Then, we will be going… Ah that’s right, I’ll return this to you.”

Without finishing his talk, as Shin was going toward the guild, he recalled something as he took out a card sheet from his Item Box. A halberd was drawn on its surface.

“This is…”

“Indeed, this is your personal weapon 【Calming Moon】. I have finished the maintenance while I was in this place. Please check it just in case.”

In response to Shin’s words, Shibaid materialized the card. The next moment, a Halberd about Shibaid’s height was grasped in his hand. The grip was twice as thick as normal, so it was ready for Shibaid’s physique. Even so, just the tip of the spear was 60 cemels in length. In addition, blades was placed to the handle was rather than an axe at the left and right of the base of blade, and a single-edged sword looked like an oblong axe head, was also attached. It might be seen as a Trident depending on the viewpoint.

Because it was made from Chimeradite, similar to 【Crushing Moon】, the weapon’s appearance shined as if the night sky was compressed in it. Part of the blade was decorated in deep, vivid green as if an emerald was inserted into it. There was a dignified presence that it seemed to pass for ceremonial use.

“Though I haven’t held this in a long time, it seems to perfectly fit in my hand. It is excellent workmanship. But, if my sense is correct, I have feeling that the power from the weapon has increased.”

“Oh, you realized it? In fact, it’s magic control is better than Girard’s item. It’s because of the 50% increase to the performance, you know?”

“50%…The ability has increased even further from the current state, huh? Even though you are my master, you are scary.”

The power transmitted from the current weapon to his hand was incomparable to so far, and Shibaid reflexively stopped breathing after hearing the reason. If Shibaid’s memory was correct, even in its former state, it should able to break an opponent’s weapon of 《Mythology》 medium grade 10 times. Now, it was a 50% increase. Since it was already 《Ancient》 grade, Shibaid felt it was beyond explanation.

By the way Tiera, who heard it, had a distant look and was like “Ah, again huh?…”. Cuore was “50?…50!?…”, exposing her surprise. Only Schnee didn’t change as usual.

Needless to say, Schnee’s 【Blue Moon】 and the rest of the weapons, except Shin’s 【True Moon】, were already finished being upgraded.

“Well, Shibaid and the others are special to me. I don’t have any intention to throw a weapon with this kind of ability into the market.”

“I am relieved to hear that. If it is the current Shin, you could make a 《Rare》 grade weapon have a similar performance to an average 《Legend》 grade weapon.”

Shibaid nodded with a relieved face. If Shin was serious, he could make dozens of rare grade weapon per day. It wouldn’t be a joke if he could open a warehouse with such numbers. Chaos would be inevitable, if a large amount of these kind of things appeared on the market. Besides, confusion might also spread. Indeed, it was not a thing to overlook and keep silent about.

“Right now, I don’t want to stand out yet.”

Though Shin wouldn’t hesitate if it was necessary, there were only disadvantages if he put the weapons on sale in large quantities, at least for the present Shin. Even if he was desperate for money, he didn’t want to make connections somewhere.

“Then, I’ll use this gratefully.”

“Yeah, then see you again.”

They bid farewell briefly, and then Shin and his group left the residence. After that, they were walking toward the Adventurer’s guild in Elden.

◆◆◆◆

There were no borders for the adventurers’ guild. Because the information was shared, there was no need to register again in another country, even if he registered in the Adventurer’s’ guild in Bayreuth. Since there was a branch office of the guild in most countries, it was rare for an adventurer to not find work.

It seemed unnatural, if looking at it from the outside, for one large army force that didn’t belong to the country to be inside the country. However, no matter how much an army consisted of knights keeping a close watch on the peace and order maintenance, they couldn’t do anything for all the monsters scattered around the borders. Also, there were troublesome formalities just to move a bunch of knights. Before the guild was established, the delay in initial responses caused the damage to spread.

Now, the knights’ job was to maintain the order in cities, fight in large-scale monster invasions and wars against another country and so on. As for adventurers, they have miscellaneous jobs; guarding caravans, small-scale monster subjugations in isolated areas where knights couldn’t correspond. Of course, when a situation that threatens the country occurs, like during the event in the Wraith Plains, the decision to collaborate with each other was reached.

By the way, in case of war, the adventurer’s’ guild in the countries involved wouldn’t actively participate in the battles. If an adventurer participated in the war, it was simply an individual action, as the guild wouldn’t compensate for any consequences. The position of the Adventurer’s’ guild in the world, though not all followed the current rule, was neutral to the end.

That position was ensured by the high-ranking adventurers. Because, including Shibaid, rank A and above adventurers usually had higher fighting power than the advanced level knights. If the adventurers’ guild was untactfully meddled with, the military units that controlled a city might get annihilated in the worst case.

Still, there were oddballs that changed job from knight to adventurer, when they wanted to live freely rather than keep living on the country’s payroll. Hence, total war potential of the guild was sometimes bigger than a large country.

It was mostly disadvantageous, when comparing the pros and cons of a country meddling with the guild. Rumors where the Adventurers’ guild took refuge in an emergency state indicated something had occurred in the past.

“Still, this is larger than in Bayreuth.”

“How should I say this? It seemed like it expanded, huh?”

The first things that caught Shin’s eye when they arrived at the Elden’s Adventurers’ guild, was the size of the building. As Tiera said, beside the long sideways, the ceiling on every floor was 50 cemels higher than the one in Bayreuth. Although the two-story building was still the same. Since the appearance was similar, in a sense it looked like a photo that was enlarged.

“Because many Beasts have big builds, naturally the buildings are bigger too.”

Schnee answered the question of the two people.

“We Beasts greatly vary in physique depending on the tribes, so the ceiling and entrances are large to match the Elephant type people.”

Cuore added to Schnee’s explanation. Because it was inevitable that having a large physique could cause accidents mainly due to contact; It seemed to have been built with that in consideration.

Shin and his party opened the big door and entered the building. The interior also had no great differences to the Adventurers’ guild in Bayreuth, as the placement such as bulletin boards with requests posted and so on were almost the same.

Though a lot of people noticed when they entered, their gaze stopped at Schnee and Tiera for several seconds due to their attractiveness. Somehow, Shin felt that the glances directed at him became sharper.

“Which reminds me, wasn’t there a request that I haven’t completed yet…”

Shin suddenly recalled it, as he looked at the bulletin board for non-subjugation requests. Despite the unfulfilled request, because the last piece he found was a very expensive item, the large amount of money he earned was far more than the reward of the gathering request. (T/N: This was in LN volume 2 when he found Gem Grass, something not stated in the WN. You can read it in the manga, chapter 10.)

Shin headed toward the receptionist desk to confirm the details, because it was convenient to complete the request if he found another piece.

“Excuse me, I would like to confirm a little something.”

“Yes, how can I help you?”

The reception woman, whose featured ears reminded him of a Chihuahua, was asked about the collection request for Hillock herbs.

“I am truly sorry, about the gathering request of a repeatable kind, it has to be confirmed at the branch office where you received it.”

According to the receptionist, items in demand depended on each area, and the reward was often different, too. So they couldn’t handle this request, only the branch office where the request was received could. Since it couldn’t be helped, Shin decided to accept a subjugation request corresponding with his current rank.

The content of the request was; Subjugate Goblins that infested the forest south of Falnido. At least 5 bodies. 50 copper coins per body are added if any more Goblins are killed than that. Proof part of subjugation is an ear.

“Is this expensive, or it is cheap?”

50 copper coins per Goblin. In his calculations, if he killed 4 of them, he could stay overnight in Bear Point Pavillion at Bayreuth from the income.

“It can be said that requests of rank D are in the easy income category. Goblins basically act in groups, so you can earn decent income if you defeat them altogether. Though there is a higher risk to a certain degree, too.”

Cuore explained it to Shin who looked doubtful at the reward. The rank that was said to be the recognition that an adventurer has finally become independent was the rank D. People whom leveled more than 100 began to appear when it comes to this rank. For such people, they could kill goblins relatively easy.

However, even for low-rank monsters like the goblins, there was a possibility of danger when they came in a group. The goblins of THE NEW GATE have levels which range between 10 to 50.

Also in the game, it was a monster that couldn’t be underestimated, though it was only goblin. Many have died, from warrior types to magician types, because the adventurers who had their ranks rise got carried away and challenged them carelessly.

There would not be a problem if they formed a party, but encountering a group of goblins alone, even a rank D wouldn’t necessarily be safe.

“Let’s do this, we could go and return in a day.”

Of course, Shin could kill them even if he closed his eyes, so he took the request paper to the receptionist desk without getting worked up.

“It’s the subjugation of the goblins. Please show your card so I can carry out the formalities.”

“Here.”

“…Pardon me for being rude, but the place you registered as an adventurer, less than a month ago, is Bayreuth, is that correct?”

“Eh? Ah, yes. That’s correct.”

The receptionist who received the card, confirmed whether Shin was the person in question.

Though Celica didn’t confirm it when he received a request for the first time, it was because the card was handed over immediately after it was created.

“Excellent. The content of this request is about the goblins subjugation that reside in the forest of southern Falnido, is there any mistake?”

“It’s fine.”

“Are you in a party? If so, please present the party member’s guild card.”

“Understood. Schnee, Tiera, please come over here.”

Shin called out to Schnee and Tiera who were behind him, he explained the situation and their card was pulled out. Since Cuore didn’t join the party, she waited at the original location.

“Here, I have confirmed it. The party name is not registered, do you want to keep it as it is?”

Though a party name was for adventurers who formed a party for a long time period, it was also used to raise the fame and strengthened the combination power of all party members.

Some of the parties were those who specialized in support rather than combat, such as scout, had a hard time to raise their achievements.

In any case, it was easy to earn fame by fighting in the frontline, but it became hard to get noticed for someone working behind the scenes. To avoid that, a party name was made.

If the name as well as the party rises, it came to the point where one could be acknowledged by simply saying that they were a member.

Though it was not a completely fair assessment yet, as long as it was not a one-man party, it was beneficial to decide a party name. Still, it was unnecessary for the current Shin and his group.

“Ah, yes. Please keep it as it is.”

“Understood. The procedure is finished. Take care.”

“Thank you.”

Shin thanked the receptionist who corresponded politely, and left the counter.

“A person like Shin-dono, is going for goblin subjugation?”

Cuore talked to Shin who had just returned.

When Shin held the request paper for goblin subjugation in his hand, she seemed to keep silent whether there were any special reasons. However, it appeared that she had questions about the somewhat ordinary request content.

“That’s how the merits are, because my adventurer’s rank is not high. I have no choice but to keep accumulating achievements.”

No matter how strong a person was, their guild’s rank didn’t rise easily. This was because achievements and corresponding trust were demanded from the high-ranked. Even if the person was a former knight or a noble, the treatment didn’t change.

From Celica’s explanation before, even a chosen one had their first rank go from G to F, or otherwise to E.

“I’ll end it quickly. Because I want to make it to C rank at least. What will Cuore do after this?”

“May I go together too?”

“I don’t mind, but it’s goblin subjugation, you know?”

“It’s all right. For my remaining work, because I don’t know how long it takes, I’ll do it later.”

“What work?”

“It’s the investigation of the place where the duel was fought the other day. I always go to confirm whether or not the forest has restored itself after a battle is fought in Larua Grand Woods. Because the scale of the fight was quite huge this time, the damage of the forest increases too. Even though I should increase the number of people for the investigation, the monsters that appear in the Larua Grand Woods are deadly for an ordinary adventurer. So, even if the request was given out, it won’t be easily accepted. I have to go, especially because it was after the fight of Shin-dono and Girard-sama this time. When strong people fight, a plant that doesn’t naturally grow there might appear for some reason. Besides, this investigation, it is not possible to finish it before Shin-dono finishes his request and come back, so I’m going to postpone it.”

And, though many plants with a high medicinal property seem to appear, they wither after a certain period, so it was said that they don’t grow after that.

“I see…Hey, may I go together with you for that investigation too?”

“Eh? Ah, no, but it’s possible…”

Cuore had a puzzled look at Shin who suddenly offered to go together. She might have been surprised because it was work that did nothing except for looking around.

“Sorry because it’s so sudden. For once, I wanted to see the place as the person who fought there.”

It didn’t mean anything would change if he examined it. Still, because it was beyond recognition from the scenery last time, Shin wanted to look again at the place where he fought with Girard.

“I understand. What about Schnee-dono and Tiera-dono?”

“Since I don’t have business elsewhere, I will go with you two.”

Schnee decided to accompany without any hesitation.

“Um, I’ll go too. As the forest was noisy at that time, I have no idea what happened to the state of the spirits as well.”

Tiera seemed to have been wanting to go to the forest after a long time as well.

◆◆◆◆

Shin and his group left the guild and headed toward the southern gate of Elden.

After leaving the gate and advancing for a while, there was almost no people around. Since their destination place was nearby, they went on foot whilst almost everyone else traveled by wagon. Because very few passerby also moved along the highway, it was a different direction from Shin and his party who were going to the forest.

“Over here.”

Shin changed the directions, as he perceived a monster’s sign. They were moving inside the forest at a speed similar to when moving in a plain, but there was no one falling behind.

There were the elf’s Schnee and Tiera, the beast’s Cuore, and the monster’s Yuzuha and Kagerou. It could be said that these members were specialized at moving inside a forest.

Wild animals ran away once Shin and his party approached. Since they didn’t hide their presences, they might be deemed as a dangerous beings.

“――Found it!”

Shin who activated both【Clairvoyance】and【Through Sight】, discovered a group of goblins moving in the forest.

Their height was about 140 cemels, and their skin was a green color. Compared to humans, their head was about twice as big; the structure of the face was ugly. Some of them were holding a dagger or short sword in their hand. 5 of them were around level 20, only one was level 31. The one with highest level appeared to be their leader, as it was holding a wooden shield.

Cuore also offered to cooperate, so they decided to kill one per person as they moved closer.

After confirming that all members had entered the range of attack, each of them took out their weapon. Throwing daggers for Shin and Schnee and bows for Cuore and Tiera. Needless to say, it was claws and fangs for Yuzuha and Kagerou.

While Tiera and Cuore drew their bows together, Shin and Schnee wielded the daggers in their hands. Yuzuha and Kagerou were crawling so they weren’t noticed, and approached without making a sound.

“…Now!”

At Shin’s voice, daggers and arrows ran through the forest.

The daggers that Shin and Schnee threw, penetrated the head of the two goblins who were walking in front. And then, without any time for them to make a commotion, arrows pierced the heads of the two in the back.

As for the remaining two, their necks flew away from the claws of Yuzuha and Kagerou.

Even if it was natural for them, it was an instant kill. The ears were cut as proof of subjugation, and after gathering them together in one bag, it was stored in Shin’s Item Box.

Though this was already proved when he was shopping in the town, if several things are collected and put in one place, the items could be stored in the Item Box as one item. Turning it into a card was also possible.

However, the card became impossible to separate, when the card was materialized into pieces.

“The request is completed. Then, shall we go to Larua Grand Woods too?”

Including the travel time, it was only 1 and a half hours since the time they took to complete the request, and they have enough time left to head towards Larua Grand Woods.

“Alright then, let’s go. There are two ways, crossing the forest as it is, or using the main road, which would you choose?”

“Cuore is used to the forest, and we won’t be a hindrance, so it might be nice to go with crossing, right?”

“Kuu!”

As if to say “Agreed”, Yuzuha barked. Similarly, Kagerou which was next to Tiera also barked.

◆◆◆◆

When they got out the forest to the south, some plains appeared for a moment. They then further advanced for 30 more minutes. From there, the wagon was taken out and they advanced on the main road.

There were no particular events except for when Cuore was surprised at the speed of the wagon that Kagerou pulled.

Shin and his party finally arrived at Larua Grands Wood.

It was at the hill where Schnee and the others previously watched the duel between Shin and Girard, that they got off of the wagon.

“Amazing. Even after all of the flashy blows, this doesn’t look the right place.”

Shin, who looked at the forest while standing on top of the hill, was surprised about not seeing any traces of destruction. At the start of the fight with Girard, the exchange of skills from the【Cannon Wave】 had mowed down a lot of trees. Though boulders and big trees were blown away due to the after-effects of the fighting, damages were magnified as they were thrown onto the other trees on the ground. Shin had also caught a glimpse of the changes before.

However, now within the range of Shin’s field of vision, he couldn’t find any evidence of it.

“After seeing it, the vegetation from before and after the fight doesn’t change, huh? Rather than restored as before, I think that the rapid growing plants covered the scars or something like that.”

“Yeah. When I look at it closely, I can see a few young trees in several places.”

When Schnee explained the state of the forest, Tiera also had the same opinion. While pointing at a portion of the forest, Tiera said “That is the place where it is growing, around the original forest.” to Shin.

“It’s just like Larua Grand Woods. Unfortunately, I don’t understand it even if you tell me.”

Shin was staring hard at the direction Tiera pointed at, but he wasn’t able to distinguish the differences in the end.

To begin with, naturally other than the size, there was no distinction between the young and old trees.

“As one would expect from Schnee-dono and Tiera-dono. It took me about 10 years until I finally understood the differences.”

“It couldn’t be helped I guess, since the sense related to forests are prominently keen for elves and pixies. But to be able to tell the difference by yourself is a great thing.”

Schnee praised Cuore, while smiling. She seemed to have directly taught Cuore how to tell them apart before. She was probably happy that Cuore could master it properly.

“Thank you very much.”

Cuore replied with a smile. As if she couldn’t bear the joy of it, her tail was wagging left and right in a big way.

“And, what should we do after this? We are doing the investigation, right?”

Shin asked Cuore, because he didn’t know what kind of method the investigation was going to use.

“For the investigation about the regeneration of the trees, we check whether or not there are unnatural plants that shouldn’t grow in these surroundings. Because it’s indeed impossible to look all around, the range is divided roughly, and I decide some points based on that.”

As Cuore said that, she took out a card from her pocket and materialized it. In the next moment, a map of Larua Grands Woods appeared. There were big trees, like landmarks, and other peculiar characteristics and so on that were drawn.

“With this tree as a mark in the a middle, the forest is divided. Because these landmarks do not change after they have regenerated, we should not lose sight of them.”

If ordinary adventurers were here, they would have to be cautious about not going too deep into the forest, but she didn’t have to worry about that if it was Shin and his party.

“…I feel guilty for me asking to accompany you, since I don’t seem to be helpful.”

To begin with, differentiating between trees that have been restored couldn’t be assigned to Shin. Because he couldn’t understand it even if Tiera taught him.

“Then, how about going together with Tiera? Tiera can harvest any plants that are found, and Shin can put them into the Item Box, so it will be efficient.”

Looking at Shin, who was sulking and feeling bad, Schnee made a suggestion.

“…That’s right. I think it will be most suitable for you two to pair, because I and Schnee-dono are able to use the Item Box.”

Cuore also agreed.

As for Shin, he could only answer yes because that was at least the only way he could be useful. It was completely reasonable that an Item Box member would be essential.

And though it was heard just now, Cuore was also able to use the Item Box. As for the card she pulled out from her pocket not too long ago, it was actually her using the Item Box.

On that subject, he remembered that Tiera talked about royal families and elders having the Item Box.

Cuore was a daughter of the Beast King, in short, a royalty. It was understandable that she could use Item Box, if she inherited the abilities as Girard’s descendant.

“Then, let’s divide into three sides. Just to confirm, have any changes taken place except the unnatural plant that appeared so far?”

Did something concern her mind on the harvesting? Schnee asked Cuore.

“As far as what has been confirmed, there’s no such things. In fact, plants that don’t grow naturally were discovered only twice in the past, when strong people fought in a duel. The first, that was found was after the duel between a Dragnil and Beast, was ‘Fairy Grass’. The second that was discovered, after the duel between a Lord and Elf, was ‘Phantom Grass’. That was the only two which were recorded. Because both were found at several places, I think someone will find something this time too.”

However, it was said that because the numbers of growing plants increased, it wouldn’t remain intact. It was only a temporary thing.

“How do you split the works? Is it good to divide it into 3 equal parts?”

Shin moved his finger to form 3 circular ranges on the map while Cuore listened.

As Cuore said, it was impossible to examine Larua Grand Woods with such a small number of people, so the scope of investigation must be narrowed to some degree.

Though the others didn’t take note of the drawing, all of the members understood the approximate ranges.

“Everyone might be unfamiliar with Larua Grand Woods, so I don’t mind if my area of responsibility increases.”

Toward Cuore who said that, Schnee disagreed.

“Because the investigation like this time was requested of me too, there is no problem as it is either. It’s better for you and me to increase our area of responsibility, and decrease the area that Tiera’s and Shin’s are in charge of instead. Even though Tiera is able to tell the difference, she hasn’t handled this kind of request before, so it might take more time than us.”

“I agree. I’d appreciate it if you could do that.”

Tiera agreed to Schnee’s proposal.

Tiera was hardly able to enter the forest for about 100 years. Even though she was an elf, the fact that she didn’t spend time going to the forest was undeniable.

In addition, Shin was going together with her. Schnee thought if there was only one beginner, the work would be delayed. At the same time, she considered this as a training in order to restore Tiera’s intuition.

Meanwhile, Shin, in front of Schnee and Tiera who were able to differentiate the plants intuitively as elves, was reminded yet again about not being useful although he was the who had one who suggested they work together. Once again, his shoulders dropped.

“I’m sorry for being a burden…”

“I’ll tell you how to spot the differences~”

Tiera patted Shin’s shoulder in order to console him.

“It’s alright, Shin-dono. I didn’t know what’s the differences were at first too.”

While Cuore was a beast, she possessed the knowledges and experiences that could sense the changes in the forest quickly. However, that was the result of years of effort. If Shin could do it from the beginning, nobody would have a hard time.

“Well then, let’s copy the map. It will be a troublesome if there is slip of memory.”

Schnee who spoke, activated a non-system skill 【Transcription】. It was literally a copying skill, as patterns and characters were drawn on the paper.

In the game era, it was also a skill that was used to share map data among the players. Shin also learnt how to use it, but he was impressed as he thought ‘It can be used like this, huh?’.

“Okay then, shall we start?”

In case a person finished quicker than assumed, they would join a person who hasn’t finished yet, and the restrictions and the meeting place in case it didn’t end was decided. Afterward, all members were scattered in the forest.

“Now quickly, which one is irregular?”

“The place is a little bit ahead, right? Since you’ll lead the way, I’ll learn it while actually seeing it.”

While moving through the forest, Shin received guidance about the names and the medicinal effect of flower plants, which were not counted as items in the game, as well as the distinction between the old and young trees from Tiera.

There was no grasses named ‘weed’; Even if there was such a word, the grass that looked identical to Shin had their own respective names. It was a different plant from other things, such as how its flower bloomed or how it dispersed seeds.

Tiera talked about the development of those flowering plants and its item utilisation in this world too. Shin was a little excited with the possibility of something new being made, if combined with his own techniques.

“Shin, is this a young or an old tree?”

“…Old tree?”

“Wrong, it’s a young tree.”

“…Really?”

“It’s the truth.”

However, it was another question whether or not Shin could tell the difference, even if he understood. Even Cuore took 10 years to accomplish such a feat. There’s no way the amateur Shin could easily do it.

“Hmmmm…”

Shin followed after Tiera’s example and along the way, the same questions were repeated, although most of them were correct only by chance. Even if Shin opened his eyes wide while looking at it, he couldn’t distinguish it at all.

“I cannot do it easily after all.”

“It’s difficult even for a High Human. huh?”

“Materials in the old days could have been distinguished with【Analyze】 and 【Appraisal】, but for such grass, it was treated as an ordinary weed.”

To Tiera who was only reassured a little, Shin picked up the grass he was taught about a moment ago and answered.

The grass that Shin held, might be usable if he intended to use it as material. But if they had additional effects, the rate of failure might rise in some cases. And there was no reason to check or to use the grass either.

“But if you can distinguish it easily, that would leave me in a fix. However, I can see the name of this medicinal herb with my【Analyze】 too. Something like this and this, shouldn’t have grown in this area around here.”

“What?”

Shin stopped moving at Tiera’s statement. As far as Shin knows, it was appraisal that identifies an item. No matter how much he analyzed it closely, only information of “Grass A” was displayed.

By the way, what Tiera picked up just now was ‘Golden Grass’ and ‘Pure White Flower’, each of them were one of the ingredients for Potion One and Ether One. It was material with a prospect of recovery that was higher than a potion of low rank, even without being changed.

“The duel between me and Girard brought some kind of effect, huh?…That’s right, is there any difference between my 【Analyze】and Tiera’s? No, but she learnt it from ‘Secret Book’ I gave…”

While storing the golden grass in the Item Box, Shin voiced his doubt.

“I don’t know. But only up to the name was displayed, when viewed with my【Analyze】. Though I heard it from master, I think detailed information will be displayed when appraisal is used, right? But there’s nothing like that.”

As Tiera said, if the conditions were met, the hints of compound and detailed effects of the item were displayed when appraisal was activated. However for Tiera, such information didn’t appear.

“Really…hmm?”

Shin attempted to learn the name of the nearby grass by staring at it closely. But as expected, he couldn’t find anything. At the same time, next to his view, he noticed something dark.

“Is this, black iron?”

What appeared on the ground, was a material that blacksmiths are familiar with.

Looking at its state, it might appear naturally from ground dug up by animals, or it came up to the surface as the soil was washed up by rains.

“…With only【Analyze】…”

Suddenly it occurred to Shin’s mind, that he viewed the ore with an appraisal skill. And then, he looked at the black iron with nothing but 【Analyze】.

“…I can see it. Hey, really, I can see it”

“What’s wrong?”

“Though I only looked at the metallic material with 【Analyze】 as an experiment, I can see its name. But it was something like ‘Iron A’ or ‘Ore A’ before though.”

Shin’s guess, where he thought the race characteristics and the occupation might be related, seemed to hit the mark. The name that was related to the metal was displayed as if it was natural.

In ability standpoint, Shin was at the pinnacle of blacksmithing, even though it was not his race characteristic. As a result, the name of things relevant for blacksmithing might be displayed.

“I wonder if there’s some kind of meaning?”

“Eh? Wait a minute, don’t you understand it on your own!”

Tiera said with a sullen expression at Shin who nodded his agreement.

“Sorry sorry. The job I do might be also similar to a dwarf I guess. So things like individual skills and race characteristics might have some sort of effect on analysis, don’t you think?”

“I am elf so I can see plant-related things, and because Shin is a blacksmith you can see metal-related things?”

“Yeah, probably. Though it’s only an inference, it’s not off the mark I think.”

Shin thought he would confirm it with Schnee and Cuore later.

“So, besides seeing Golden Grass and Pure White Flower, do you feel anything abnormal?”

“Oh, well. There’s nothing special besides that. The only thing left is whether or not it will regenerate afterwards. But we don’t need to worry about that.”

Tiera’s sense didn’t seem to become dull. From her affirmation, without a doubt, it didn’t feel as though there was any harm from her not entering the forest for a long time.

The investigation afterward was quick, partly because Shin’s understanding of golden grass and so on as the materials.

Just in case, while Shin gathered it, Tiera examined whether there were changes elsewhere, and then moved away immediately if there was nothing.

Though Schnee and Cuore joined along the way, at that time, Shin and Tiera were almost finished examining the range entrusted to them.

After the investigation, Cuore reported the results.

“We discovered Golden Grass and Pure White Flowers here. How about everyone else?”

“I also saw the same. There are a large quantity of them too.”

Schnee also seemed to have made a similar discovery.

“Here too, but the quantity was not so much.”

“Well, it must not be growing at both places in large quantities.”

Shin’s remark was confirmed, as Tiera knew the detail of the materials too.

“By the way, though it had nothing to do with the investigation, when a non-appraisal item was checked with analysis, does it show the name of the things that are related to jobs and race?”

Shin confirmed what was on his mind with Schnee and Cuore.

“For me, if it were daggers and bows, I can see the name of magic items before the appraisal. Perhaps, it’s because I have used such weapons for a long time, no?”

Cuore displayed her own dagger and bow as she materialized it. Even from Shin’s eyes, it was understood that the items were maintained properly.

“I am similar with Tiera. I can see if it’s plant-related. A few ores and metals too, if it’s of the lower ranking ones.”

About the ores group, it might because of her watching Shin’s blacksmithing for a long time, was what Schnee said.

“Things, different from the game era, seem to appear steadily, huh?”

“Because we also don’t fully understand it.”

Schnee answered, to Shin who muttered small.

There were no particular troubles afterward, and the party returned to Elden.

It could be said it was already evening time. When they arrived at the guild, they headed straight towards the reception.

“The request has been completed. Please confirm it.”

“Understood－－Yes, there’s no mistake for the the subjugation’s parts. The request is complete. Please take this paper here to the reward recipient counter over there.”

The receptionist who confirmed the goblin’s ears, wrote something on a paper and presented it to Shin. Like in Bayreuth’s guild, the rewards were not handed over at the reception desk.

“Also, I have one more thing to tell you.”

Before Shin who received the paper moved, the receptionist spoke.

“Yes, what is it?”

“To Shin-sama, we received a message from the guild master of the Bayreuth branch adventurers’ guild, Barlux-sama.”

“Message?”

“Yes. The same message was conveyed to each branch office. The contents are inside here.”

The receptionist handed a piece of envelope after saying so. The transmission was likely to have been written down via the Mind Chat.

“If it’s for Shin, there are other adventurers with similar names too, right?”

“Guild Cards can be used for identification. Because the magic reaction issued is peculiar to each card, unless it was forged, I would never mistake it with another person.”

“I see. I understand.”

Shin left the reception desk, and joined the others.

“Is it from Barlux?”

“It seems so.”

He nodded to Schnee who asked, and unsealed the envelope. There was a letter inside, and only some brief information was written. The content was “Greetings, Shin. There is a summons for you from the royal palace. I want you to return as soon as possible”.

“Why did you receive a summon from the royal palace?”

“Well, I have no idea.”

“It is something you don’t have knowledge of?”

“No…No, there’s not,… maybe?”

Though he quickly responded that he didn’t know to Tiera who was amazed, something came to his mind followed by Schnee’s remark.

(Don’t tell me, it’s about the Skull Face sword which flew into the royal castle?)

Besides that, he couldn’t think of anything else.

He thought about whether he had done anything that could relate him with the sword, then he recalled that he talked about the greatsword to Celica and Els.

The battle where he fought against a high-level Skull Face with a powerful weapon, was likely to have been circulated.

Since it was not written in the contents of the summon, he had no choice but to confirm it when he met Barlux afterward.

“Prior to rank up, shall I straighten up this one?”

No matter how much an adventurer was said to be have freedom, ignoring a summon from the royal palace was unthinkable.

Of course, even if Shin and the others ignored Bayreuth, they couldn’t be brought immediately.

However, there was no benefit even if they made trouble on their own accord. Even now, Shin still intended to act as a mere adventurer. The interference of the country would be troublesome if he, a High Human, was revealed.

To break off from the country, Shin didn’t know much about this world yet. Acting by common sense of the game and former world was a bad plan at this current stage.

“I’ll go together with you.”

“Me too.”

Schnee and Tiera declared as if it was natural to say. Cuore couldn’t afford to go together as expected, and they parted momentarily here.

“Mmmm…”

“Well, don’t make such gloomy face. For the time being, tell me when Wolfgang is available, because I have to hand over something.”

Shin calmed down Cuore, who was suppressing her desire to go with them, which was reflected on her face with of all her heart. And then, he confirmed Wolfgang’s schedule.

Since Wolfgang was busy, he thought maybe it was good after the investigation matter here was over, but it didn’t go so well.

“Though the conference may be prolonged, because it should be paperwork after that, I think it’s better for us to wait for the opportunity in the residence. So we won’t be passing each other and so have to chase after him.”

“Roger.”

◆◆◆◆

When Cuore returned to the residence and asked one of the maids about Wolfgang’s whereabouts, it seemed that Wolfgang had already returned, from the reply.

“Father, do you have a minute? Shin-dono seems to have something to talk about.”

“Please come in.”

When Cuore knocked on the office door and stated the matter, a reply came in a flash.

Cuore opened the door, and Shin and the others entered the room. The office desk, chairs, bookshelves and so on, stress the simple, practicality look. Above the big desk, that was placed directly in front of the door, there were documents which Wolfgang had just finished signing. Mountains of paperworks which were not yet finished was also seen on the edge of the desk.

“I’m sorry for disturbing your work.”

“Not at all, this is also the job of the king. Leaving that aside, what can I help you with?”

“Oh, sorry for being abrupt, but I have to go to Bayreuth for a moment. Because I’m in a hurry, I have to depart immediately. So, I intend to hand over this before going.”

“Huh!? T-This is!!?”

Shin handed a card over, that he took out from the Item Box, to Wolfgang.

Wolfgang, who received it, had a shocked expression when he saw the drawing on the card, as a blurred voice leaked out.

“It’s Girard’s 『Crushing Moon』. I already finished changing its owner, and it’s transferable for Wolfgang to use.”

“But I heard it was broken in the duel…”

“Who do you think made the 『Crushing Moon』? Of course it’s possible for me to remake it. Besides, I was asked to hand it over, when the duel was over, by Girard originally. Because if it’s Ulu, he won’t misuse it, was what he said.”

“The founder…to me…”

Wolfgang stared at the card in his hand, as he was deeply moved.

『Crushing Moon』was a legendary weapon for the beasts of Falnido. He might be feeling the significance of having it in his hand.

“Next, I am giving you this one too.”

And, there was another piece.

What Shin passed to Wolfgang, was 『Swift Fang』, which was said to be a similar weapon type as the arm guard, 『Crushing Moon』. It was one of the weapons which Shin had entrusted to Girard, for 500 years, until their reunion the other day.

According to what he heard, the successive Beast Kings that were permitted to use 『Swift Fang』 by Girard, seemed to be recognized as the true King. If said in the reverse, a king who was not permitted to use 『Swift Fang』, even if they had strong power, meant that they were not recognized by neither the people nor the retainers.

Girard apparently didn’t let anyone, who he deemed not suitable, even if it the person was his relative, to touch 『Swift Fang』. All of the successive kings had been a good rulers, which was definite proof that Girard had good eyes for judging character.

“Just in case, try to equip it, see if whether there are any defects.”

“Affirmative…”

Wolfgang nodded slightly and materialized the cards, then he equipped 『Swift Fang』on both arms.

Because it also features an automatic adjustment of the size, there was no sense of discomfort either. Instead, Wolfgang was surprised that the power『Swift Fang』 transmitted was stronger than the last time he previously equipped them.

“This is…How do I say…”

“It’s been upgraded. This is possible thanks to Girard.”

“………”

After 『Swift Fang』, 『Crushing Moon』 was equipped.

Wolfgang involuntarily shivered, as he felt power that couldn’t be compared to 『Swift Fang』.

“Ulu will have to choose the following successor on your own.”

After all, Girard was no longer there to see it through.

From now on, people who inherit 『Crushing Moon』, have that responsibility. Again, this was also one of the king’s responsibilities.

“That obligation, I accept it firmly.”

Wolfgang bowed properly, with his fists clenching tight, in order to focus his mind.

Shin thought, that with that straightforward look it would be all right if this was the case. When Shin conveyed that it was a summon from the guild and he had to leave at this time, Wolfgang presented a necklace made of animal fangs, probably shaped after a wolf’s fangs, to Shin. At the center of the fang, there were drawings of a wolf in a crest style.

“This is?”

“That is the item which is treated as our family crest. Whenever you need me, if you shown this to a person in the residence, you will be able to contact me immediately.”

It goes without saying that exploitation was strictly prohibited. The necklace was accepted, thanked, and stored in the Item Box.

And then, Shin and his party appeared outside of Falnido though the underground tunnel which they used when they came in for the first time.

They advanced for about ten minutes, after being seen leaving by Cuore, then the wagon was put back into a card after making sure there was no one around.

“Well, shall we hurry up and return?”

“We are going there by Metastasis, right? Is the location the site where Tsuki no Hokora was before?”

To Schnee, who noticed it when getting off from the wagon, Shin nodded and took out a crystal stone.

“Indeed, I don’t know about other places, but there is no problem over there I think. It takes time to come back from here, too.”

“What a luxury…”

The reproachful remark from Tiera was ignored.

“Then, let’s go!”

After confirming that all members were ready, mana was transmitted to the crystal stone.

In the next moment, the surrounding landscape changed, and three people and two animals were in the site where Tsuki no Hokora was set up before.

Immediately after the transfer, Shin sensed that there were multiple responses in the neighborhood.

However, they didn’t seem to have noticed Shin and the others because of the hiding skills which were used beforehand.

(“There are lots of people here?”)

(“Yeah, they’re still monitoring after all. Moreover, it doesn’t seem to be only one force.”)

While having a Mind Chat with Yuzuha, Shin probed into the appearances of the distributed people who were monitoring.

When thinking about the deployment, there were 2 or 3 separated groups.

“Because Tsuki no Hokora disappeared suddenly, they may think that it might appear again. It’s likely that they have forgotten about the possibility that it can be carried.”

If it was the old generation, that lived before the Dusk of the Majesty, they would know about such a thing. However, because the owner of Tsuki no Hokora, Shin, a High Human was thought to have gone extinct, they haven’t thought about that possibility yet.

“How did you answer when you were asked at the commission before, Schnee?”

“I only said I don’t know. Though I understood only Shin could wipe out Tsuki no Hokora, it felt like Shin had disappeared together with the store. To be honest, I was really anxious at that time.”

However, it was only a needless anxiety. Schnee continued, while smiling, and began to walk towards the gate.

The atmosphere that almost became solemn, was erased by the smile.

“I’m gonna leave you behind~”

Tiera called out and overtook Shin who quieted down at the answer.

“Ah, sorr…wait, it’s me that was called by Barlux!?”

“What are you being absentminded for?”

“Well, if I wait for the partner to return without knowing how long, I can’t imagine it in any way.”

Not even Shin understood Schnee’s word of anxious.

It’s not easy to forget their loved ones. But, Shin’s view of life was at most just a little over 20 years, so he couldn’t imagine it for 500 years.

In response to Schnee’s words, he carelessly thought about what would he do, if he was in that situation.

“Isn’t it impossible to do?”

“What an immediate remark!?”

Shin retorted.

The answer that came back without pause from Tiera, was indeed simple.

“The sense of time is very different for elves and humans, considering how long the life span differs. Because master is a High Elf, it was more cruel than me in that situation.”

While walking next to Shin who has caught up, Tiera spoke in an admonishing way.

Elves have a long life span, next to pixies. Therefore, for a short-lived kind, such as humans and beasts who could only live for around 100 years, even the sense of ‘waiting’ was greatly different.

It was only natural, ten years for human was a long time, but ten years for elf feels like less than one year for a human when thinking of their life span. It was also the cause for why long-lived species are known as easygoing fellows.

“Isn’t it nice? I’ll wait if you want me to, you know?”

“Is that how it works?”

“It is. To lose a reason to live, is the beginning of hell for the long-lived kind like us.”

Perpetual youth and longevity; Though people continue pursuing this, it’s reflected differently in the eyes of a person who has it.

“When I think of it seriously, it is a very terrible situation, huh?”

Shin spoke in a serious tone.

“That’s how it is. When I think about it, I want to pretend a bit longer. But when Shin became serious suddenly, the mood felt a bit off.”

“Can you stop always giving out those, “Live life properly” remarks that you always do?!!?”

The serious tone from Shin changed, with a single phrase from Tiera.

A little bit ahead, Schnee stopped and was waiting. Shin and Tiera quickened their pace and caught up to Schnee.

“Shin is the same as usual, serious in unexpected places.”

“Shut it!”

Apparently the conversation was heard by Schnee. Shin sulked and replied to Schnee who said it in a teasing way.